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Thu, 08 Dec 2016 14:31:37 +0000en-UShourly1The Bambike- An Eco-Friendly Product Using Sustainable Building Practices and Renewable Materialshttp://lovingthebike.com/guest-post/the-bambike-an-eco-friendly-product-using-sustainable-building-practices-and-renewable-materials
http://lovingthebike.com/guest-post/the-bambike-an-eco-friendly-product-using-sustainable-building-practices-and-renewable-materials#commentsThu, 25 Apr 2013 09:29:29 +0000http://lovingthebike.com/?p=13371We have a guest writer in today to give his views on the environment, public transport, and the bicycle. He also talks about how the Bambike is doing it’s part to help our world.

The Bambike

by Andres P. Ong

The problem of global warming is worsening each and every day. Despite sanctions and attempts to lessen the amounts of greenhouse gases being pumped into the air, more and more of these gases are being released into the atmosphere each and every day. To safeguard our environment for future generations, drastic action needs to be taken, else future generations will be left with to live on an Earth with a heavily damaged ecosystem.

Cars and other motor vehicles are amongst the main pollutants causing damage to the environment. They release carbon monoxide and other harmful gases as a byproduct of converting petrol into energy. One of the easiest ways to lower your carbon footprint and reduce your impact on the environment is to use alternative forms of transport that do not release harmful these greenhouse gases.

We will try to take a close look at the Bambike, a high quality mountain bike built using sustainable building materials practices.

Using Bikes as a form of public transport

Bikes have been used as a form of transport for over 200 years. Today, it’s estimated that there more one billion bikes in the world. Unfortunately, very few of them are being used on a regular basis. As cars became increasingly inexpensive, people started to use their cars to get from A to B instead of their bikes. As such, many bikes are sitting unused in garden sheds, garages, and landfill sites.

In recent years, bikes have been experiencing renewed interest as a form of transport.

Many environmentalists and concerned individuals who are interested in safeguarding the environment have started to use bikes as they do not release harmful greenhouse gases into the environment. For these people, bikes offer an easy way to reduce their carbon footprint.

Others have traded in their cars for bikes as they are significantly cheaper to run with very low upkeep costs and no expensive fuel requirements. Bikes, especially foldable bikes, can also fit into smaller spaces than cars and other motor vehicles.

As an added bonus, biking is also an excellent form of an exercise that can help to reduce fat levels and increase cardiovascular endurance bolstering the position of the family-oriented, healthy bikers that yes, mountain bikes are great for family days out. While cars are said to make you lazy, a bike will help keep you fit and healthy.

The Bambike

Traditionally, bikes have been made from aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium, and other metal alloys. While these materials are durable and strong, they are rather expensive which can drive up the costs of a bike. The processes used to create these materials can damage the environment, too.

The Bambike, a new bike built in the Philippines, is aiming to be the most environmentally friendly bike ever made. Made from bamboo, the Bambike is light, durable, and environmentally friendly. Since it is made from natural materials, no greenhouse gases are released during its building process, either.

Fighting poverty

Each Bambike is carefully crafted and built by hand at the Bambike Workshop in Victoria, Tarlac in the Philippines. The Workshop was set up by Gawad Kalinga, a community development group working to fix the problem of poverty in the Philippines. Their goal is to create jobs and sustainable businesses in some of the most poverty ridden parts of the Philippines.

Each of the craftsmen working at the Bambike Workshop came from a life of poverty. They worked hard jobs and found it difficult to earn enough money to feed themselves and their families. Because of the Bambike Workshop, their community is once again thriving and their lives have been greatly improved.

Gawad Kalinga have stated that the profits earned from the Bambike will be funnelled through to similar community development projects in other parts of the Philippines. As such, every Bambike sold will help to reduce poverty and improve the lives of Filipinos throughout the Philippines.

Conclusion

The Bambike, the most environmentally friendly bike ever made, is proof that quality mountain bikes need not be expensive. It’s very light, durable, inexpensive, and great to ride. Make sure to consider getting a Bambike when searching for your next eco-friendly bike, we all need to take steps to protect the environment and conserve our resources, and this is a great way to start showing you care.